The Learning Curve Express

categories: Activism, Children, Guest Bloggers, Housing, Nonprofits, The Economy, Women

Published September 19, 2009 @ 09:35AM PT

Anyone who knows me knows I wouldn't easily give up an opportunity like guest blogging at Poverty in America. But HEAR US Inc.'s LEARNING CURVE EXPRESS, my daunting next venture, will keep me busy as I film short interviews with homeless kids and parents who don't count (by HUD's standards), living doubled-up and/or in motels. I will do my best to connect these homeless constituents with their (often clueless) legislators because Congress needs to learn much more about this topic.

Giving voice and visibility to homeless kids is what HEAR US is about, knowing they are their own best spokespersons. They more than proved it in our award-winning documentary, "My Own Four Walls." For the next 6-7 months I'll be traveling backroads in my bug-splattered RV, posting short clips depicting the bleak lives and the great hopes of the hidden and uncounted homeless families and teen population.

I hope to keep up with my PIA duties, but regardless will invite interested persons to take a peek at my travels and tribulations which I'll post on the HEAR US website, incl. at Change.org. Please join us in fighting for the rights and resources for homeless families in the US!

(Photo by author)

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Comments (2)

I understand that HUD over-looks certain people that are really in need of services, however due to circumstances the consideration of help could not be met due to the assumptions and definitions that are suggested in the efforts of help. Sounds confusing, well it is if the type of help that is being sought is not actually considered help or the condition that you are in is not defined as that that needs help. Such as the conditions and consideration expressed in the blog posting, those that are residing in motels and are saying that they are homeless and need help or doubled up with another family and are couch surfing are not classified as being allowed to be assisted under certain assumptions.

How?

Why?

Questions tha tI myself have asked and researched and have come to the assumption that the only way to tackle this problem is to go directly to the source, and that is to ask HUD to define these characteritcs into the current policies to provide monetary eligibility towards.

http://homelessness.change.org/actions/view/the_definition_of_homelessness

Posted by Aaron Shaw on 09/21/2009 @ 10:34AM PT
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Thanks for the action opportunity, Aaron! Anything can help!

Posted by Diane Nilan on 09/21/2009 @ 12:25PM PT
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Author

Diane Nilan, founder and president of HEAR US Inc., has over 23 years experience working impoverished and homeless families. Since 2005, Nilan’s cross-country journey to non-urban communities has focused on poverty and homelessness, particularly as it affects invisible families and teens. She filmed the award-winning series of documentaries, My Own Four Walls, children and youth sharing how homelessness affects their lives and their education. Her reader-friendly book, “Crossing the Line: Taking Steps to End Homelessness,” gives unique insights into homelessness. Her latest production, “REACH” empowers incarcerated parents to advocate for their homeless children’s educational rights.